Our “Transforming” Ministries

Congregational life, life lived with others in Christ, is the place where we are baptized, fed and renewed to become the people whose presence the world needs. The transformation process is not just the programs and liturgies we offer. It is an organic web of what we do, how we are with each other, how we grow and learn together, how we allow ourselves to be transformed by our experiences of God and each other, and how our physical space supports our process of being shaped into the people God created. Here are some of our ministries that open the space in our hearts for God’s transformation of our lives:

We want our children to explore the sacred stories, experience worship, and continually grow in their faith and their understanding of how faith and their lives intersect. We encourage opportunities for them to discover and express their spirituality within the church and our parish life. It is our hope and prayer that they will end up “spiritual AND religious”. We have wonderful people who are dedicated to forming our young people in their faith through being their formation leaders in…

A large part of our youth formation happens outside of our church building. We engage our young people in mini-mission events which connect them to the needs of our surrounding community and empower them to make a difference. So far, we have focused on three themes: 1) feeding the hungry, 2) helping people who have been displaced, and 3) environmental stewardship. Our young people are enthusiastic about the opportunity to help others and in the process knowing more about God…

Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in congregations that use the Stephen Series system. Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. Jean Shepherd, a trained Stephen Minister, participated in a seven-day Stephen Series Leader’s Training course in Pittsburgh this past summer to lead and train Stephen Ministers. Jean previously served as a Stephen Minister at St. Timothy’s, Herndon, VA. Stephen Ministers grow greatly as…

We are blessed with amazing young people in our midst who joyfully offer their musical talents to the parish in our worship. They don’t “perform” but rather share of themselves for the joy and deepened meaning of those gathered. Lisa Turchi is our Youth Choir Director and inspires, nurtures, and supports our young people in their offerings. If your child would like to join the Youth Choir, please encourage them. The choir rehearses every third Sunday of each month beginning…

What does a Lay Eucharistic Minister do? They do the holy work of administering the chalice during the Holy Eucharistic service. These persons are vested in a white alb and process, as they are part of the altar party. They will receive Communion and then will distribute the wine to all those who come forward to receive at the altar rail. With the words, “The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation” they offer the healing grace and reconciliation of…

What does the Flower Guild do at St. Andrew’s? The Flower Guild is a group of parish members who prepare the flowers for all the different services including Sunday services; Holy Week, Easter, and Christmas services; weddings, funerals, and memorial services. The Flowers are placed behind the altar. On our festive occasions, such as the major feast days of Christmas, there are flowers placed throughout the sanctuary — and it is just glorious! The flowers support and enhance the beauty…

What do Counters do at St. Andrew’s? Counters work in teams of two. They collect and count all the donations after each service. They fill out a deposit slip and place the slip and money in a back deposit bag. On their way home they stop off at the bank and place the bag in the deposit slot. This is a behind-the-scene ministry which is a part of our tending to our funds which support the ministry God has called us to…

Both adults and youth of the parish participate in reading the lessons from the Lectionary and leading the Prayers of the People during Sunday and other special services. This ministry gives voice to God’s message in a way that engages the congregation.

What do the Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs) do as St. Andrew’s? The LEVs are the people of St. Andrew’s who take communion from the church to those who are sick or shut-in. This devotional ministry connects all members of the congregation and places into action the words of prayer “…for those who are present, and for those who are absent…that we all may be one.” When do the Lay Eucharistic Visitors meet? We do not have regular meeting times. When there…

What does the Altar Guild do at St. Andrew’s? The Altar Guild is a group of parish members who prepare the altar for the different services, including all the Sunday services, Holy Week, Easter, and Christmas services; weddings, funerals, and memorial services. Preparation includes counting wafers, changing the linens when required, filling the candles, and setting God’s table for the service. Depending on the number of people on the team, it can take 1 to 1-1/2 hours a month. It’s…

What do the Acolytes do at St. Andrew’s? Our Acolytes assist the celebrant and priests in the holy liturgies. This is an important ministry that allows the worshipers to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and other rites of the Church with dignity. The presence of each Acolyte is a gift to God and to our parish. Who can be an Acolyte? Any child who feels the call to serve the Lord at the holy table is welcome to become an Acolyte. …

The Choir is composed of singers who desire to share their love of music and assist in the worship of the congregation. The choir, accompanied by the organist and occasionally other instrumentalists, is an integral part of the Sunday 10 am service as well as other special Services held at St. Andrew’s. Their voices lift our souls to the glory of God and deepen our worship. Choir rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings from 7-8 pm and warm-up is on Sunday…